Down Inverleith Way 37

Jack Blain scores for Scotland U18 against England

For the second successive time at Inverleith, the senior 1st XV lost narrowly to a “streetwise” Border side ( this time, Kelso). For the second successive time, the initiative was jettisoned by conceding a plethora of penalties. It was not easy to fathom out the one-sided penalty count from the touch line, but something must be amiss as it has happened on several occasions this season. The XV has to learn from these experiences and come up with a remedy for next year – hard work and commitment needs to produce dividends on the pitch and not founder on the shrill blast of a disapproving whistle.

Frustratingly, it all started so well against the team who edged the cup semi-final (0-7) last week at Poynder Park and, with a 21-7 lead at half-time, the home support viewed the second 40 minutes with some optimism. Sadly, the rain came down and Kelso, switching their focus to a more forward – driving orientated game, slowly but surely wrestled the initiative to run out winners by 6 points (21-27). We wish them all the best in their cup final against Dumfries.

Connor Boyle – Captain of Scotland U18

Saturday (14th April), sees the last act of the senior 1st XV’s campaign when they they travel to Sunnyside to meet Falkirk. Here’s hoping for a positive conclusion to what has been a difficult to season.

The senior 2nd XV concluded 2017-2018 with a twice re-arranged match against GHA. Whilst the game was also lost 14-24, the RBG have done just enough to preserve their place in the National Reserve League Division 2 by finishing in sixth place. There was some drama towards the end of the contest as John Evans, the referee, was taken unwell. The club is delighted to announce that John has been given a clean bill of health.

Congratulations to Connor Boyle and Jack Blain as they played an instrumental part in Scotland Under 18’s success at the Six Nations Festival. Both played in all 3 matches against England (won 32-27), France (won 24-21) and Ireland (won 19-17). Connor captained the side on all three occasions, was named man of the match against France and scored a try against Ireland. Not to be outdone Jack scored two tries against England and one against France. One wonders if they will be allowed to play at Inverleith again next season?

Scotland U18 – led by Connor Boyle – celebrate their win over France

Three Stewart’s Melville players – Duncan Hood, Aidan Boyle and Jamie Thompson – also represented Scotland in the successful campaign at the Colwyn Bay Festival, while Finlay McNeil, Dan Hay, Michael Baird, Ross Johnston and Nathan Moffat all played for Edinburgh in the BT Sports Academy Under 17 Championship. Well done to all!

The Stewart’s Melville Academy U15’s make their way down to Melrose on Friday to play in the Provender Next Generation 7’s which is a prelude to the main event on Saturday. They have been drawn in a group with Berwick, Hawick and Howe of Fife. The other section consists of Melrose, Kelso, Tynedale and Ardrossan.